LOUISIANA'S ALLIGATORMANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Prepared byThe Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries,

Office of Wildlife, Coastal and Nongame Resources DivisionDecember 2010

presented to

2009-2010 ANNUAL REPORT

THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON NATURALRESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT AND THE

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES

COASTAL & NONGAMERESOURCES DIVISION

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Introduction The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (Department) manages the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) as a commercial, renewable natural resource. The Department’s sustained use program is one of the world’s most recognizable examples of a wildlife conservation success story. Louisiana’s program has been used as a model for managing various crocodilian species throughout the world. Since the inception of the Department’s program in 1972, over 810,000 wild alligators have been harvested, over 6.5 million alligator eggs have been collected, and over 3.8 million farm raised alligators have been sold bringing in millions of dollars of revenue to landowners, trappers and farmers. Conservative estimates have valued these resources at over $750,000,000, providing significant, direct economic benefit to Louisiana.

This report, per R.S. 56:279 (E), provides a historical perspective; outlines the basis and philosophy of the Department’s management program; reviews the federal government’s oversight and approval role for management of the alligator in the United States; discusses wild, farm and nuisance alligator programs; lists research activities; and reviews the revenue and expenditure information associated with the management program and the Louisiana Alligator Resource Fund. A separate report, furnished by the Department, details the activities and expenditures of the Alligator Advisory Council. Historical Perspective Alligators have been used commercially for their valuable leather since the 1800s. This harvest was generally unregulated throughout the 1900s, until a gradual population decline resulted in severely reduced harvests in the early 1950s. In 1962, the alligator season in Louisiana was closed, and research studies, focusing on basic life history factors, were undertaken which led to development of a biologically sound management program. Of tremendous importance was the establishment of a rigorous survey method to estimate and monitor population trends. From 1962 through August 1972, alligators were totally protected. During this time a myriad of state and federal laws regulating harvest distribution and allocation of take, methods of harvest and possession, transportation and export of live alligators, alligator skins and their products was enacted. Similarly, in 1970 the Louisiana legislature recognized that the alligator’s value, age at sexual maturity, and vulnerability to hunting required unique consideration and passed legislation providing for a closely regulated experimental commercial harvest. The goals of the Department’s alligator program are to manage and conserve Louisiana’s alligators as part of the state’s wetland ecosystem, provide benefits to the species, its habitat and the other species of fish and wildlife associated with alligators. The basic philosophy was to develop a sustained use management program which, through regulated harvest, would provide long term benefits to the survival of the species, maintain its habitats, and provide significant economic benefits to the citizens of the state. Since Louisiana’s coastal alligator habitats are

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primarily privately owned (approximately 81%), our sustained use management program provides direct economic benefit and incentive to private landowners, and alligator hunters who lease land, to protect the alligator and to protect, maintain, and enhance the alligator’s wetland habitats. One of the most critical components of the management program was to develop the complex set of regulations which required individual applications for each property to be considered for tag allocation, landowner permission, proof of ownership and detailed review of habitat quality related to alligator abundance, all of which combined to equitably distribute the harvest in relation to population levels. During the period of total protection (1962-1971) alligator populations increased quickly and by 1972 the Department was ready to initiate its new sustained use management program. On September 5, 1972 the alligator season was reopened in Cameron Parish and a total of 59 hunters harvested 1,350 alligators. The season was expanded to include Vermilion Parish in 1973, Calcasieu Parish in 1975, an additional nine coastal parishes in 1979 and statewide in 1981 (Table 1). In 2009, 9,126 wild alligators were harvested by 1,837 licensed alligator hunters. (Harvest was severely reduced due to worldwide economic recession which reduced price and demand for farm-raised and wild alligators).

Oversight by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Five years after Louisiana closed the alligator harvest season, the alligator was listed on the federal Endangered Species Act in 1967. At this time the alligator was considered an endangered species throughout its range. In March of 1974, Louisiana petitioned the Secretary of the Interior, requesting that populations of the alligator in Louisiana be removed from the list of threatened and endangered species in Cameron, Vermilion and Calcasieu Parishes. In subsequent years, similar petitions sought to reclassify the alligator, first in nine additional

Alligators harvested in southwest La. during the 1970’s

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coastal parishes in 1978 and then statewide in 1981. Each of these petitions was based on results of detailed scientific study and the demonstrated success of the early harvest programs. Export of alligator skins and products out of the United States is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This treaty, which became effective in 1975, regulates the international trade in protected species; its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) administers CITES requirements and controls for the United States. The species covered by CITES are listed on one of three Appendices, according to the degree of protection needed. Currently, the alligator is listed on Appendix II of CITES, because of their similarity of appearance to other crocodilians that are truly endangered or threatened. In order to fulfill CITES requirements, the USFWS through a series of rulemakings, has developed a complex set of requirements with which the individual states, including Louisiana, must comply in order to be granted export approval for harvested alligators skins and products. The most critical component in these requirements is that the Department must certify, on an annual basis, that the harvest programs we administer will not be detrimental to the survival of the species. The “no detriment” finding is predicated on our assessment of the current condition of the alligator population, including trends, population estimates or indices, data on total harvest and harvest distribution and habitat suitability evaluation. Additionally, the management program must provide for a rigorously controlled harvest with calculated harvest level objectives. All alligators and eggs harvested must be taken from specifically identified properties and all hides individually tagged (with approved, serially marked CITES export tags furnished by the USFWS). The USFWS requires strict accountability for each tag allocated to the harvester, requiring all unused tags be returned at the close of the season.

Wild Alligator Management Program

In 1970, the Louisiana State Legislature (Act 550) gave the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries full authority to regulate the alligator season in Louisiana. Since that time, the Department has annually inventoried alligator nest production throughout coastal Louisiana in order to assess the status of alligator populations (Figure 1). Results of annual alligator nest surveys are compiled to provide estimates of nest density (acres per nest) by parish and by

2009 Louisiana alligator tag

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habitat type (brackish, intermediate, or fresh). Private and publicly owned lands (State and Federal Refuges, and Wildlife Management Areas) are compiled separately.

In June/July 2009, over 2,800 miles of transects were flown, surveying 135,000 acres of wetland habitat. The sampling intensity covers approximately 3.4% of 2.3 million acres of private coastal wetlands, and 3.4-10.8% of some 622,000 acres of public coastal wetlands. During summer 2009 we estimated that 24,793 alligator nests were present in the coastal marsh habitats. Coastal habitats have significantly recovered from the devastating hurricanes in 2005 and 2008.

Nest density and alligator population estimates are combined with a detailed review of harvest parameters and a general assessment of environmental factors observed during each survey to determine final harvest level objectives. Over 50 individual alligator harvest quotas are developed annually in order to distribute the harvest in relation to alligator abundance in the various habitats across the state. A listing of the 2009 wild alligator harvest quotas is appended as Exhibit 1. In the best habitat one alligator is harvested per 55 acres, while in the poorer habitats one alligator is harvested per 500 acres.

Alligator hunters annually submit a description of the property on which they have permission to hunt. The Department assesses the habitat quantity and quality and determines the number of alligators that can be harvested by each hunter. This methodology ensures that alligators are harvested in proportion to their population levels and that the harvest will not negatively impact populations at any location. The currently approved quota system represents an allowable wild alligator harvest, which coupled with the state authorized wild alligator egg harvest program represents a level of population utilization currently unparalleled in the world of crocodilian management.

Under this sustained use alligator program, over 810,000 wild alligators have been harvested since 1972 (Table 2). The annual harvest takes place in September to specifically target the adult males and immature segments of the alligator population. Adult females, which

2009 ALLIGATOR TAG ALLOTMENT BY PARCEL

Lease ID Parish Landowner Marsh Type Acres Int(%) Int(acr) Acr/Tag Tags

00000384 TERREBONNE terr sch bd t18sr13e FRESH MARSH 657.25 100.00 657.25 55 11.95

TOTAL 657.25 657.25 11.95

Ownership verification, habitat assessment and alligator tag allocations

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typically inhabit interior marshes in September, would be more susceptible to harvest if the season was scheduled during the spring or summer. During the 2009 wild season, a total of 9,126 alligators were harvested, averaging 7.5 feet in length (Figure 2), with an estimated value of $1.5 million. Each year the alligator program staff works closely with landowners and alligator hunters to provide assistance regarding alligator management on their respective properties. We have provided numerous habitat base maps to landowners for their use in participation of both the wild and alligator egg harvest programs. Harvest reports summarizing average lengths and size class frequency distribution of harvested alligators are available upon request. Farming/Ranching Program Early alligator farms in Louisiana were generally small, family owned operations; and often run more as a hobby/curiosity than a commercial enterprise. Extensive studies done by Department biologists showed alligators could be efficiently cultured and grown in captivity. Egg ranching (collection of alligator eggs from the wild) proved more economical and successful than captive breeding; private egg collections were first permitted, on a limited basis, in 1986.

Louisiana’s alligator ranching program increased dramatically between 1986 and 1990.

To ensure wild alligators were not depleted as a result of egg collections, and to ensure future recruitment of sub-adult alligators to the breeding population, the Department currently requires a quantity of juvenile alligators equal to 12% of the eggs hatched by the rancher be returned to the wild within two years of hatching. A variable return rate was established based on the estimated survival rates for wild juvenile alligators. Using the relationship of survival between size classes, we extrapolated return rates based on expected survival rates for alligators from 36 to 60 inches. More alligators

Alligator hatchling

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must be returned if the average total length is smaller, and fewer animals are required if the average length is larger. Close monitoring of the survival of these alligators will continue for many years. Enormous effort has been made by the Department to monitor the fate of the alligators released to the wild. In 2010 we released a total of 27,122 farm raised alligators into the wild to maintain wild alligator populations. Each alligator released is measured, sexed, tail-notched, tagged and recorded prior to release to the same area where the farmers had originally harvested the eggs. Although it is costly to the ranchers to fulfill the “returns to the wild” obligation, it is an integral necessity of the program, considering the large number of eggs collected. In 2009, only 29,822 wild alligator eggs were collected producing 25,077 hatchling alligators (Table 3).

Currently there are 57 licensed farmers in Louisiana. On farm inventory as of December 2009 was 388,540 alligators (Figure 3). During the 2008 tag year (September 2008 through August 2009) a total of 286,645 farm alligators were harvested, averaging 26.38 cm belly width (4.30 feet in length) (Figure 4). The total estimated value of these alligators was $45.5 million (Table 4). Although the data are still being compiled as skins are exported out of Louisiana, an estimated 290,000 farm-raised alligators were harvested during the 2009 tag year. Beginning late winter and continuing into spring and summer of 2009, worldwide economic recession significantly impacted world trade in raw and tanned alligator skins and manufactured products. Price and demand for farm-raised alligator skins dropped precipitously during this period. The drop in price and demand coincided with the economic recession and with tanners implementing stricter quality standards. Throughout this period many farmers were unable to sell any skins; several farmers exported skins for crust tanning and later sale. Two of the largest alligator skin tanneries in the world made recommendations to the Department and alligator industry participants, urging actions which would act to reduce existing inventories of both live on-farm alligators and alligator skins. In June 2009 many farmers decided to forego egg collections in July 2009 thereby reducing on-farm inventories of live alligators during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. During 2010, demand and price for both farm raised and wild alligators began to recover. During the Spring of 2010 farmers permitted the collection of 710,204 eggs and in late June and July of 2010 began collecting eggs. Coastal flooding associated with a tropical weather event during July limited egg collections to an estimated 200,000 eggs. It is anticipated that price for wild alligators harvested in 2010 will increase as compared to 2009.

In order to better meet the needs of the alligator industry, the Department sponsors meetings for all segments of the industry (farmers, hunters, and landowners) which gives the industry participants an opportunity to prioritize and discuss the current issues facing the state’s alligator industry. The Department also created specific e-mail (LAalligatorprogram@wlf.la. gov) and website (www.lagatorprogram.com) addresses for the alligator program to provide additional and easier methods for alligator industry participants and the general public to ask questions and acquire information. Alligator program staff continues to compile and update contact information, including e-mail addresses, which are used to promptly notify participants of available and arising program information. In addition to the on-site visits, the staff communicates with farmers on a regular basis to schedule releases, hide inspections, live animal

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inspections, coordinate farm transfers, alligator egg collection permits, and to issue and follow up on CITES harvest tags.

The Department contracts with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine to provide

various services to the alligator industry. On numerous occasions the staff arranged for transportation of sick or problem alligators and sample skins from farms to the LSU Vet School for necropsy or skin evaluation. One of these contracts provides for the availability of a veterinarian to respond to farm related problems. Farmers know they can contact the program staff or Dr. Nevarez and get a rapid response to their problem. We also arranged collection and delivery of alligator research specimens to numerous graduate students and university faculty.

Despite setbacks from Hurricanes Rita and Ike, numerous wildlife groups, including university and graduate students, were hosted at Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge for educational purposes; as were professional representatives from domestic and international organizations. Presentations were made at various civic organizations and captive alligators were often loaned out for educational purposes. Nuisance Alligator Program The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries manages a statewide nuisance alligator control program. The nuisance program is designed to remove problem alligators in order to avoid potential human/alligator conflicts. Through the process of nuisance alligator hunter appointments and annual renewals the Department maintains a statewide network of qualified nuisance alligator hunters. Nuisance alligator complaints are phoned into various Department offices, where complaints are recorded and then forwarded to a nuisance alligator hunter in the vicinity of the complaint. Nuisance hunters respond promptly and catch and remove the alligator as deemed necessary. Hunters are allowed to harvest the nuisance alligator and to process the meat and skin of the alligator for commercial sale. This process provides for immediate response to problem alligators and for payment to the nuisance alligator hunter, thereby minimizing the program operating costs to the Department.

During the winter and spring of 2009, the worldwide economic recession had a devastating impact on price and demand for alligator skins. Nuisance hunters were unable to sell large skins at profitable levels and had no sales for small (under 6’ total length) alligator skins. In June 2009, the Department instituted a policy change which allows for nuisance alligator hunters to charge the complainant a fee of $30.00 when they catch and remove a nuisance alligators under 6’ in length. Depending on market conditions next fiscal year, further nuisance alligator policy changes may be necessary to ensure that appointed nuisance alligator hunters remain in the nuisance alligator program. During 2009-2010, a total of 65 nuisance alligator hunters were enrolled in the program; annually the nuisance hunters respond to an estimated 5,000 complaints and harvest approximately 2,500 alligators.

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Research Activities The following list provides a summary of the various research and monitoring projects that the alligator program staff conducted and/or participated in during the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Monitoring 1. Evaluation of survival, growth, and reproduction in farm released alligators---This activity involves numerous projects related to survival analysis, growth and reproductive success (farm-released vs. native wild). Due to the recent reduction of the 14% release rate to 12%, it is imperative to monitor survival closely. The 12% return rate started with the 2007 permits (releases “due” in 2009). Additional information on size class frequency distribution of wild alligator populations and susceptibility to harvest will be provided to enhance survival estimates. Although some growth information has been published we plan to evaluate growth rates in more detail; we now have "retraps" that were captured 10-15 years since release, and this is undoubtedly one of the largest mark-recapture projects currently in progress. Staff from the LSU Department of Experimental Statistics assists with annual evaluation of survival and growth based on farm “retraps” recovered in September harvests. 2. Coast wide nest survey---The annual coastal nesting survey is essential for monitoring our alligator population, and is used annually to determine wild alligator and wild alligator egg harvest quotas (for the adult harvest each September as well as egg ranching quotas). This is an integral part of our required “finding of no detriment” needed for export authority. This survey was of particular interest in summer 2006, providing valuable information to evaluate the impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the worst drought in 111 years that occurred in fall/winter/spring of 2005-06. We anticipate similar such needed information in late June/early July 2009, due to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike striking in September 2008. For the 2010 survey a new alligator program employee will serve as the observer. 3. Evaluation of statewide harvest program---We continue to analyze size class frequency distribution, average size, sex ratios, etc. for alligators harvested each year. This project, coupled with coast wide nest survey will be continued as long as a harvest program is in place. Data generated from these projects provides the basis for evaluating the impact of our current harvest strategies, and for establishment of annual wild harvest quotas. 4. Evaluation of alligator nest density---LDWF biologists work with selected cooperating alligator farmers to gain access to their GPS data from annual egg collections. This study will facilitate comparisons between our coast wide nest survey and estimates of nest density as recorded by the farmer during egg collections. Some farmers have advised staff of reduced nest production on selected wetlands; this study will allow us to evaluate nest distribution and density changes over time. 5. WNV (West Nile Virus)---The Department, in conjunction with LSUSVM, continues to monitor occurrence of WNV on alligator farms in Louisiana. Initial mortality related to WNV

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occurred in fall/winter 2003. Aggressive mosquito control on farms has reduced on farm mosquito populations and seems to have reduced the incidence of WNV in 2008-2009. Studies have determined that WNV exposure is a predisposing factor in development of “PIX/LPSA” skin lesions. We also collected samples (colon and liver) from wild alligators in August/September 2008 during the sanctioned harvest, to screen for WNV in wild alligators. During fiscal year 2009-2010 we continued to collect samples from farm alligators to monitor for exposure to WNV and have initiated collections from wild alligators as well. Contracts 1. Diagnostic services - LSUSVM (Dr. Nevarez)---Dr. Nevarez is contracted to provide diagnostic services as needed for the alligator industry. Farmers may consult with Dr. Nevarez at any time for assistance with any alligator husbandry or disease issue. Our staff often assists with logistics and transport of alligators/samples to LSUSVM in Baton Rouge for evaluation. 2. LSU Experimental Statistics---The LSU Department of Experimental Statistics is under contract to provide technical statistical expertise for numerous alligator projects; most importantly the evaluation of survival of farm-released alligators, population trends from nesting survey data, and more recently with hide grade/length correlations. Assistance was provided with statistical analyses of dispersal of wild alligators initially marked on Rockefeller Refuge but caught off site, to determine relationship between size at initial capture and sex and dispersal distance. We evaluated dispersal of animals from initial capture sites and submitted a manuscript for consideration for publication in the scientific literature. 3. Hurricane effects on alligator physiology---We completed a study to determine the effects of high salinities seen in the marsh after Hurricane Rita, by collecting blood samples from wild alligators to measure stress hormone (plasma corticosterone) and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and osmolality; as well as general body condition and behavior of the alligators. The superimposed drought in winter of 2005-2006 made interpretation of results difficult. A manuscript was prepared by LDWF staff and presented by Dr. Lance at the IUCN’s Crocodile Specialist Group Meeting in Montlimar, France in June 2006; updated and completed findings were submitted for publication in the scientific literature in early 2009 and have been published in the Journal of Experimental Zoology. 4. Evaluate the health status of farm released alligators---A total of 310 alligators originating from 21 different farms were sampled in fiscal year 2009-2010 to evaluate their overall health at the time of release. Study results indicate that the release alligators are healthy, that West Nile virus remains the most important infectious disease for captive reared alligators and that continued surveillance in necessary. Alligators brought into Louisiana from Georgia for release last year were found to be of poorer health than Louisiana reared alligators and further release of these animals should be closely monitored. Continuation of this study is planned for the future as funding allows.

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5. Determine the use of antibiotics on alligator farms in Louisiana and determine the pharmacokinetic disposition and tissue distribution of tetracycline after single-dose administration---Phase I of this project was completed with some difficulties encountered in achieving therapeutic levels of tetracycline in alligators. Several trials were conducted in order to determine dosage rates. In 2008-2009 this research continued to determine tissue distribution levels and elimination rates. Final results indicated that due to high level of variability in the concentration of tetracycline in alligator tissues and plasma, tetracycline in not a recommended antibiotic to be administered orally to captive reared alligators. In 2009-2010, a pilot study was conducted to determine the appropriate dose of the antibody trimethoprim-sulfadiazine administered orally to alligators; this antimicrobial was absorbed much better and results of importance in consideration of treatment of disease in farmed alligators. Other Research We spent considerable effort to testing telemetry units for practical methods to attach to juvenile alligators and test range of reception. This may be helpful in monitoring the survival of farm-released alligators. Our biological staff constructed an outside holding pen to test the telemetry unit attachment on wild and farm alligators. Unfortunately the pen was damaged by Hurricane Ike in September 2008 and alligators escaped; however the few recaptured held the telemetry units snugly in place. We held the alligators recaptured at Rockefeller and showed long-term retention of the telemetry units during 2009-2010; units eventually removed by staff and alligators released. Dr. Dan Janes from Harvard University continued molecular biology work on alligator embryos provided by LDWF; as did other collaborators and university professors and graduate students. In summer 2007 we similarly assisted Dr. Matt Bonnan and his graduate students with samples for differential limb scaling studies; a study was published in 2009 in The Anatomical Record, another paper on calcification of archosaur long bones is currently “in press” after being written, reviewed, and accepted this fiscal year. We are currently collaborating on projects with Dr. Mark Merchant (unfunded) to evaluate anti-microbial properties of alligator plasma. Although diseases are generally rare in alligators, this work may help on the rare occasion of disease in farmed alligators, in terms of evaluating cause and treatment options. We assisted again this fiscal year in the expansion of this work with a collaborator of his from LSU’s Chemistry Department evaluating peptides by providing large volumes of blood for leukocyte extraction. We have several years of data on alligator dispersal (caught live on Rockefeller, and subsequently harvested “off” Rockefeller). Several have migrated very long distances (20-35 miles) which is important data to consider in evaluating our farm “release to the wild” program. Additional data collected in September 2008 and 2009 helped us evaluate effects of Hurricane Rita and severe drought on alligator displacement. A manuscript was submitted for possible publication in the scientific literature, we are currently awaiting reviewer’s comments and decision.

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We worked with anatomists in evaluating sources of calcium for eggshell development. Several abstracts were published and presentations made at international conferences. A full manuscript is currently being prepared. We continued to support and collaborate with a post-doctoral research associate and a PhD student with their work on oxygen levels in developing alligator embryos. Several abstracts were published and presentations made at scientific conferences. Associates from UC Irvine were hosted at Rockefeller in June 2010 to collect additional embryos, as well as cardiovascular structures and limbs from a range of sizes of alligators for several studies. We published a paper on multi-year multiple paternity and mate fidelity in alligators; an abstract was presented at the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists in July 2009. We had previously hosted a graduate student from the Royal Veterinary College in London and collected samples in support of his doctoral research; we co-authored a manuscript published in the Journal of Anatomy in early 2010. Drought conditions allowed us to photograph numerous sets of alligator tracks at the request of Dr. Jim Farlow at Indiana University-Purdue. We co-authored a manuscript on footprints and trackways of alligators which correlates with Dr. Farlow’s paleontology studies. We published a manuscript on alligator spermiogenesis with Dr. Kevin Gribbins, who did part of his doctoral research at Rockefeller Refuge. We assisted a graduate student with his research on use of stable isotopes to determine alligator diet (non-invasive); the manuscript is in review. We also supported Dr. Uriel Zapata with his doctoral research on material properties of alligator mandibular cortical bone. These studies were published in the journal “Bone” and follow up studies are underway. We studied the use of rodenticide baits (to control nutria) to determine if they would have a deleterious effect on alligators if secondarily ingested. A paper was published on these findings in a toxicology journal. Our research efforts have been hampered in large part by lack of holding facilities for alligators. We had a small functioning laboratory, but the tremendous physical plant losses due to Hurricane Rita and Ike have limited our progress. This lab was a shared room in the maintenance workshop and is now not usable due to repairs to the shop. Our biological staff constructed a cover/awning to the semi-repaired holding tanks, which has helped. Initial work done to supply adequate heat to holding tanks was completed in spring 2009 and minor repairs continued this fiscal year. We met several times this year to discuss schematic drawings for a new lab and holding facility. Revenue and Expenditure Information

In recognizing that the Louisiana alligator industry is a vital aspect of Louisiana’s economy and recognizing the many, varied national and international impediments to industry

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development, and the need to develop and maintain a total alligator conservation program, the Louisiana legislature established the Louisiana Alligator Resource Fund in 1991 (R.S. 56:279). This Act established a dedicated source of revenue intended to help defray the costs of the alligator program within the Coastal and Nongame Resources Division of the Department. The specific goals of the legislation are:

1. To provide salaries and financial support including associated indirect costs for the following positions, to provide a minimum of two full-time technical positions (biologists) and eight nontechnical positions such as computer operators, secretaries, and wildlife specialists existing within the Coastal and Nongame Resources Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

2. To assist with funding for law enforcement activities associated with the alligator farm industry when surplus funds are available and recommended by the Louisiana Alligator Advisory Council.

3. To assist with funding marketing programs recommended by the Louisiana Alligator Advisory Council when surplus funds are available.

4. To actively fund research on all aspects involved with alligator conservation and to develop the techniques needed to enhance the commercial alligator industry.

5. To assist in funding management of the alligator population through proper management, harvest and farm facility management.

This legislation provides all the enabling language required to establish the Louisiana

Alligator Resource Fund including sources of income, investing of the fund, and expenditures from the fund. Further R.S. 56: 253 establishes the alligator hide tag fee and the alligator shipping label fee, specifies the details of collection of these fees, and establishes that these fees shall be no more than $4.00 per hide or live alligator. R.S.56:256, provides for the collection of a $0.25 severance tax on each alligator hide taken within the state. R.S. 56:279 C (1) provides that all revenues received by the state from tag fees, alligator shipping label fees, and from the severance tax on alligator skins shall be credited to the Louisiana Alligator Resource Fund. During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, $1,567,697 was deposited into the Louisiana Alligator Resource Fund. The alligator industry should be applauded for supporting these legislative endeavors to create a self-generated source of revenue to develop and maintain the state’s alligator management program. Annual income and expenditure data for the Louisiana Alligator Resource Fund is reported in Table 5.

Table 6 summarizes the Louisiana Alligator Resource Fund expenditures by the alligator

management program for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 fiscal years. Expenditures by the alligator management program totaled $1,210,960 in 2009-2010. Currently the alligator program staff consists of 5.5 biologists, 3 wildlife technicians, 1.5 administrative coordinators and 1 data manager. Additionally, in 2009-2010 we supplemented the permanent staff with two wildlife technicians and 1 biologist, hired as WAE and job appointments to assist in various facets of the alligator management program.

All expenditures from the Louisiana Alligator Resource Fund are provided for in R.S.

56:279. The Department carefully approves and monitors all expenditures to ensure compliance

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with all legal requirements. The Department’s fiscal office can produce a variety of expenditure and budget reports upon request. Hurricane Impacts Coastal Louisiana was impacted by devastating hurricanes in 2005 and 2008. In both of these years, storm surges inundated coastal marshes with high salinity waters across virtually the entire coast of Louisiana; which is prime alligator habitat. Some direct alligator mortality was observed; but overall long-term impact of these storms on alligator habitat remains to be seen. Direct physical damage to wetlands through scour, scrapes, erosion, and rolling has been noted, and high salinities were accentuated by lower than usual winter rainfall after the storms, which might have tempered the deleterious salinities. Effects of these storms on the subsequent wild alligator harvest were significant in 2006; but harvest numbers in 2007 and 2008 returned to pre-storm levels.

Results of the 2006 coastal nest survey indicated significant habitat damages in southwest

Louisiana and extreme southeast Louisiana resulting from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina respectively. Nest production in 2006 was the lowest on record since 1986. During the fall and winter of 2006-2007 marsh water levels returned to near normal and the habitat recovered significantly. In 2007, coastal alligator nest production increased dramatically as wetland habitats and alligator populations recovered. Alligator farmers collected near record numbers of wild alligator eggs in 2007. In 2008, nest production was excellent and farmers collected a

Marsh scouring from hurricanes

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record of 530,579 wild alligator eggs. Hurricanes in the fall of 2008 and lower than normal Spring water levels in 2009 resulted in reduced nest production in 2009 as compared to 2008 (Figure 1). Habitat Concerns One threat or potential limiting factor to Louisiana’s alligator population is habitat loss. Because the vast majority of Louisiana’s alligators are in the coastal parishes, saltwater intrusion and wetlands/marsh deterioration from numerous causes are very real threats. Additionally, the combined impact of recent hurricanes will likely result in long term reduction of alligator habitat quality in coastal Louisiana. Vast resources by numerous state and federal agencies have been expended to attempt to limit these losses. Projects to restore/enhance marshes include construction of earthen terraces (to reduce wave action and turbidity), “breakwaters” and protection levees along coastlines, and freshwater diversions. Alligators benefit directly from these efforts to maintain/enhance wetlands. The freshwater diversion projects (Davis Pond and Caernarvon) shift water from the Mississippi River in hopes of re-establishing more favorable salinity conditions for numerous fish and wildlife species. Some preliminary data suggests alligator nesting has improved in the areas enhanced by lower marsh salinity levels. It is critical that habitat changes are monitored, mapped and incorporated periodically into the alligator program. This will ensure that our harvest programs are adjusted accordingly for corresponding alligator population and habitat changes. Summary Louisiana’s alligator management program has clearly illustrated that controlled sustained use of the species is feasible. The wild harvest has been in place for 38 years and the egg ranching program for 24 years and may appear to operate unchanged every year. However, constant adaptations are made to try to improve both programs. Constant requests by user groups (farmers, egg ranchers, trappers, landowners, buyers, dealers and other industry personnel) are received and considered as the Department strives to safely manage the alligator resource to the benefit of many user groups with varied interests.

Louisiana’s alligator industry is unique. It has recognized the necessity of establishing a self-generated revenue source to provide the necessary regulatory and management efforts to effectively manage the alligator resource. The Department will continue to protect the alligator resource while striving to ensure long term, sustainable harvest programs. During 2009-2010 the Department, through the use of the Louisiana Alligator Resource Fund, has worked toward achievement of the goals established by the Louisiana Legislature.

Figure 1. Louisiana Coastal Marsh Alligator Nest Production, 1970-2009

8.6

6.7 9.

17.

7 10.7 13

.614

.113

.7 20.0

14.5 18

.419

.020

.5 23.4

19.9 26

.224

.2 25.9 27.9

27.5 34

.528

.3 34.7

31.7

29.4

49.1

26.2

39.8

24.2

37.7

35.9

33.4

42.8

41.4

20.4

42.2

43.4

24.8

26.0

14.3

0

10

20

30

40

50

19701972197419761978198019821984198619881990199219941996199820002002200420062008

Year

Based on Aerial Surveys

Thousands of Nests

Figure 2. Louisiana Wild Alligators Harvested, 2009 Regular Harvest Skin Lengths

1.0

10.3

26.6

0.62.1

4.77.9

16.6

30.2

0

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20

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40

<5' 5' 6' 7' 8' 9' 10' 11' 12'+Size Class

Perc

ent N = 8,172

Updated 11/19/10

7.5’ averageskin length

Alligator Farm Inventories0

1 - 2500

2501 - 10000

10001 - 25000

25001 - 50000

50001 - 85000

42 farms with stock17 licensed, no stock

total inventory - 388,540

Figure 3. Louisiana AlligatorFarm Inventories andDensities by Parish,

December 2009

# Number of Alligator Farms in Parish

Figure 4. Louisiana Farm Alligators Harvested, 2008 Skin Belly Widths

0.7%4.0% 4.6%

1.4%

46.5%

41.6%

1.2%0%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%50%

<18 18-24 25-32 33-34 35-39 40-44 45+

Size Class in CM

Perc

ent

N = 286,641

* Skin Lengths Averaged Approximately 51 Inches, 2008 Tag Year, Updated 11/16/10

26.38 cm averageskin belly width *

Table 1. Louisiana Alligator Season Dates, Area Open, Harvest Level and Tag Cost, 1972-2009

Year Season Dates No. of Days Parishes Tag FeeAmount Paid By

1972 5 Sept – 17 Sept 13 Cameron $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1973 10 Sept – 28 Sept 19 Added Vermilion $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1975 20 Sept – 19 Oct 30 Added Calcasieu $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1976 9 Sept – 8 Oct 30 No change $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1977 1 Sept – 30 Sept 30 No change $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1979 7 Sept – 7 Oct 31 Coastwide 1 $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1980 4 Sept – 4 Oct 31 No change $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1981 31 Aug – 30 Sept 31 Statewide $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1982 4 Sept – 3 Oct 30 Statewide $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1983 10 Sept – 9 Oct 30 Statewide $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1984 8 Sept – 7 Oct 30 Statewide $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1985 31 Aug- 30 Sept 31 Statewide $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1986 6 Sept – 6 Oct 31 Statewide $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1987 5 Sept – 5 Oct 31 Statewide $5.00 2 hunter/farmer1988 10 Sept – 10 Oct 31 Statewide $2.00/tag hunter/farmer1989 9 Sept – 8 Oct 30 Statewide $4.00/tag hunter/farmer1990 1 Sept – 30 Sept 30 Statewide $4.00/tag hunter/farmer1991 31 Aug – 29 Sept 30 Statewide $4.00/tag hunter/farmer1992 10 Sept – 4 Oct 25 Statewide $4.00/tag hunter/farmer1993 11 Sept – 10 Oct 30 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper1994 3 Sept – 2 Oct 30 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper1995 2 Sept – 1 Oct 30 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper1996 7 Sept – 6 Oct 30 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper1997 6 Sept – 5 Oct 30 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper1998 2 Sept – 1 Oct 30 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper1999 1 Sept – 30 Sept 30 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper2000 30 Aug – 30 Sept 32 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper2001 29 Aug – 30 Sept 33 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper2002 28 Aug – 30 Sept 34 Statewide $2.00/tag fur dealer/shipper2003 3 Sept – 2 Oct 30 Statewide $2.00/tag fur dealer/shipper2004 1 Sept – 30 Sept 30 Statewide $3.00/tag fur dealer/shipper

2005 3 14 Sept – 30 Oct 46 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper2006 6 Sept – 5 Oct 30 Statewide $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper

2007 4 29 Aug – 27 Sept5 Sept – 4 Oct

3030

East ZoneWest Zone $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper

2008 4 27 Aug – 25 Sept3 Sept – 2 Oct

3030

East ZoneWest Zone $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper

2009 4 25 Aug – 23 Sept1 Sept – 30 Sept

3030

East ZoneWest Zone $4.00/tag fur dealer/shipper

1 Added Iberia, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Charles, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and St. Tammany2 Per issuance, regardless of number3 Opening date was postponed and season was extended due to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita4 State was divided into alligator hunting zones (east and west) from 2007 to present

Commercial Tags Number Percent Avg T. L.Year 2 Hunters Issued Taken Success in Feet Avg/foot Total Amount (lbs) Value1972 59 1,961 1,350 68.8 6.92 $8.10 $75,670 3 3

1973 107 3,243 2,921 90.1 7.58 $13.13 $290,714 3 3

1975 191 4,645 4,420 95.2 7.51 $7.88 $261,570 3 3

1976 198 4,767 4,389 92.1 7.09 $16.55 $515,003 3 3

1977 236 5,760 5,474 95 7.35 $12.23 $492,061 3 3

1979 708 17,516 16,300 93 6.92 $15.00 $1,691,940 100,089 $125,0001980 796 19,134 17,692 92.5 6.59 $13.00 $1,515,674 100,089 $125,0001981 913 15,534 14,870 95.7 6.92 $17.50 $1,800,757 100,089 $125,0001982 1,184 18,188 17,142 94.2 6.82 $13.50 $1,578,264 100,089 $125,0001983 945 17,130 16,154 94.3 6.92 $13.00 $1,453,214 100,089 $125,0001984 1,104 18,386 17,389 94.6 6.99 $21.00 $2,552,531 100,089 $125,0001985 1,076 17,466 16,691 95.6 7.09 $21.00 $2,485,123 150,133 $675,0001986 1,207 23,267 22,429 96 6.92 $23.00 $3,569,800 310,275 $1,395,0001987 1,370 24,635 23,892 97 7.09 $40.00 $6,775,771 500,444 $2,250,0001988 1,545 24,111 23,526 98 7.25 $48.00 $8,187,048 600,533 $3,000,0001989 1,769 25,492 24,846 97.4 7.25 $50.00 $9,006,675 747,448 $3,000,0001990 1,916 25,920 25,644 98.9 7.25 $57.00 $10,597,383 701,063 $3,000,0001991 2,001 24,646 24,011 97.4 7.45 $32.00 $5,724,222 684,109 $2,935,0001992 1,696 25,551 24,313 95.2 7.25 $23.00 $4,054,193 687,835 $2,951,5201993 1,702 24,805 23,991 96.7 7.25 $23.00 $4,000,499 687,615 $2,889,0001994 1,774 27,694 27,120 97.9 7.35 $37.00 $7,375,284 771,610 $3,243,0001995 1,877 28,931 28,442 98.3 7.35 $41.00 $8,570,997 809,088 $3,400,0001996 1,947 26,578 25,793 97.0 7.41 $25.00 $4,778,153 734,793 $3,967,8001997 1,973 29,900 29,085 97.3 7.08 $18.00 $3,706,592 828,423 $4,473,0001998 1,888 30,198 28,639 94.8 7.08 $15.00 $3,041,462 804,679 $4,350,000

1999 regular 1,902 33,239 32,064 96.5 7.17 $22.00 $5,057,775 909,398 $4,881,0001999 bonus 3,348 3,206 95.8 5.75 $15.50 $285,735 44,335 $237,2502000 regular 1,941 31,999 30,532 95.4 7.17 $27.00 $5,910,690 1,061,903 $5,702,4192000 bonus 3,299 3,146 95.4 5.75 $23.00 $416,059 56,785 $303,8012001 regular 1,916 32,669 31,867 97.5 7.33 $22.00 $5,138,872 732,941 $3,298,2352001 bonus 3,402 3,281 96.4 5.83 $20.00 $382,565 75,463 $339,5842002 regular 1,955 31,757 30,451 95.9 7.25 $16.00 $3,532,316 700,373 $3,151,6792002 bonus 3,370 2,932 87.0 5.83 $16.00 $273,497 67,436 $303,4622003 regular 1,873 30,513 28,555 93.6 7.17 $13.00 $2,661,612 656,765 $2,955,4432003 bonus 3,290 3,026 92.0 5.83 $13.00 $229,341 69,598 $313,1912004 regular 1,859 31,530 30,406 96.4 7.17 $22.50 $4,905,248 699,338 $3,147,0212004 bonus 3,705 3,518 95.0 5.83 $22.50 $461,474 80,914 $364,1132005 regular 1,933 32,487 27,668 85.2 7.25 $34.50 $6,920,459 636,364 $2,863,6382005 bonus 4,078 3,507 86.0 5.83 $34.50 $705,380 80,661 $362,9752006 regular 1,872 28,501 27,316 95.8 7.42 $39.00 $7,904,704 628,268 $2,827,2062006 bonus 3,710 3,538 95.4 6.00 $39.00 $827,892 81,374 $366,1832007 regular 2,051 33,498 31,127 92.9 7.50 $38.50 $8,987,921 715,921 $3,221,6452007 bonus 4,226 3,884 91.9 6.00 $38.50 $897,204 89,332 $401,9942008 regular 2,222 36,299 31,776 87.5 7.50 $34.50 $8,222,040 730,848 $3,288,8162008 bonus 4,425 3,851 87.0 6.00 $34.50 $797,157 88,573 $398,579

2009 5 1,687 24,427 9,126 37.4 7.50 $7.50 $513,338 209,898 $944,541

12

3 Sale of meat not permitted; La. Health Department regulations first allowed meat sales in 1979.4 Bone in from 1979-1984, deboned from 1985-present.5 Worldwide economic recession caused alligator hide demand to decline dramatically.

Subject to change, numbers updated November 19, 2010.

Table 2. September Wild Alligator Harvest in Louisiana, 1972-2009 1

Skin Value Meat 4

The bonus tag program was initiated in 1999 to increase the overall number of wild alligators harvested without putting any additional pressure on the 6' and over portion of the wild population. The bonus tag program was suspended in 2009.

Does not include Salvador WMA harvests from 1972-2003 and Marsh Island experimental, nuisance, and farm harvests from 1972-present.

Table 3. Louisiana Alligator Ranching, 1986-2009Total Eggs Number Percent Number Alligators

Year Permitted Collected Collected Hatched Returned to Wild1986 2,903 2,903 100.0% 1,985 none1987 19,641 18,041 91.9% 13,782 none1988 90,305 64,887 71.9% 50,394 1,6801989 265,051 181,819 68.6% 137,323 7,0781990 366,055 293,412 80.2% 231,434 6,0881991 333,451 198,089 59.4% 165,054 44,4051992 297,125 164,892 55.5% 133,463 35,5311993 279,405 155,891 55.8% 123,666 28,5121994 362,835 266,408 73.4% 223,011 21,6331995 402,830 314,371 78.0% 261,428 20,7491996 467,545 279,237 59.7% 233,076 40,9191997 476,115 377,636 79.3% 321,641 48,1711998 539,216 280,870 52.1% 240,118 36,7331999 574,731 382,611 66.6% 332,428 44,1692000 593,625 279,217 47.0% 236,313 39,5592001 616,465 354,636 57.5% 294,405 48,2882002 639,145 354,523 55.5% 304,448 32,7162003 651,207 357,757 54.9% 307,805 50,6572004 619,730 397,569 64.2% 350,661 47,4312005 694,694 507,315 73.0% 441,298 35,7522006 739,844 271,790 36.7% 224,724 40,6942007 766,115 501,075 65.4% 426,385 61,9132008 801,679 529,527 66.1% 459,928 48,578

2009 * 400,875 29,822 7.4% 25,077 54,391

Total 11,000,587 6,564,298 59.7% 5,539,847 795,647* Worldwide economic recession caused alligator hide demand to decline dramatically. Updated March 17, 2010

No. Farms No. Skins Avg T. L. Skin Value Meat 3

Year 1 Licensed Sold Skins Sold in Feet Avg/foot Total Amount (lbs) Value1972 8 3 35 5 $8.10 $1,418 2 2

1973 8 5 103 6.33 $13.13 $8,561 2 2

1975 8 3 83 5.5 $7.88 $3,597 2 2

1976 8 3 360 5.75 $16.55 $34,259 2 2

1977 8 4 376 5.25 $12.23 $24,142 2 2

1980 8 1 191 4.67 $13.00 $11,596 957 $3,3421981 8 3 360 4.67 $17.50 $29,421 1,801 $6,3001982 8 1 113 4 $13.50 $6,102 452 $1,5821983 14 6 1,449 4.58 $13.00 $86,273 7,253 $25,3571984 12 7 2,836 4.25 $21.00 $253,113 11,354 $39,7041985 15 12 4,430 4.25 $21.00 $395,378 17,736 $79,7401986 22 15 5,925 4.5 $23.00 $613,238 26,687 $119,9831987 30 23 10,670 4.42 $24.00 $1,131,874 48,060 $216,0671988 47 38 27,749 4.25 $36.00 $4,245,597 111,094 $554,9801989 83 68 66,737 3.98 $32.00 $8,499,624 300,877 $1,202,3621990 123 80 88,424 4.03 $24.00 $8,552,369 397,732 $1,786,0591991 134 91 118,976 4.13 $15.00 $7,370,563 536,379 $2,380,0001992 125 85 128,026 4.04 $12.00 $6,206,700 578,289 $2,566,0001993 101 70 121,700 3.87 $17.00 $8,006,643 388,010 $1,720,0001994 89 62 136,126 3.67 $20.00 $9,991,648 277,780 $1,197,0001995 83 50 125,460 3.88 $20.00 $9,735,696 331,395 $1,323,0001996 81 51 161,845 3.91 $15.50 $9,808,616 511,668 $2,297,9001997 75 36 169,988 3.74 $16.75 $10,648,898 542,332 $2,435,7001998 73 38 154,399 3.79 $17.00 $9,947,928 490,990 $2,209,4551999 64 35 187,570 3.64 $17.00 $11,606,832 552,693 $2,487,1192000 66 35 219,827 3.81 $20.50 $17,169,588 659,481 $2,967,6652001 63 32 180,391 3.79 $20.50 $14,015,479 541,173 $2,435,2792002 62 32 237,808 3.73 $23.50 $20,845,060 713,424 $3,210,4082003 61 32 277,604 3.81 $24.00 $25,384,110 832,812 $3,747,6542004 58 32 297,371 3.87 $26.00 $29,921,470 892,113 $4,014,5092005 55 31 256,432 3.91 $38.00 $38,100,667 769,296 $3,461,8322006 57 29 272,570 4.05 $42.50 $46,916,111 817,710 $3,679,695

No. Farms No. Skins Belly Width Skin Value Meat 3

Year 1 Licensed Sold Skins Sold in cm's 4 Avg/cm Total Amount (lbs) Value2007 62 29 305,176 24.79 $7.25 $54,848,520 915,528 $4,119,8762008 5 60 31 286,645 26.38 $5.50 $41,589,323 859,935 $3,869,708

1 Tag year extends from September of the year designated to the next September (example: 1997 = 9/97 to 8/98).2 Sale of meat not permitted; La. Health Department regulations first allowed meat sales in 1979.3 Deboned from 1980-present.4 Average total length for 2007 is 4.08' and 2008 is 4.25'. 5 Worldwide economic recession caused alligator hide demand to decline dramatically.

Subject to change, numbers updated November 22, 2010.

Table 4. Farm Alligator Harvest in Louisiana, 1972-2008 1

Table 5. Alligator Resource Fund Income, Expenditures, and Balance, FY 2004-2010

FY 2004 1 FY 2005 1 FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 FY 2009 FY 2010Severance Tax 66,006 83,732 76,166 77,224 78,112 80,485 87,725Interest Earned 25,498 38,120 72,961 93,166 80,489 32,371 8,312Shipping Label Fees 91,232 94,900 69,196 9,800 74,192 126,608 56Collection Permit Fees 1,588 5,850 3,050 3,150 6,175 2,650 3,375Alligator Hide Tag Fees 528,054 884,266 1,095,344 1,235,580 1,249,788 1,295,270 1,403,600Res. Alligator Hunter Licenses 56,025 43,025N/R Alligator Hunter Licenses 18,900 21,600Misc income 22 4Reduction by Executive Order -79,847 -100,821

Total Revenue 712,378 1,106,868 1,236,870 1,418,942 1,488,756 1,511,488 1,567,697

Less Expenditures -1,076,078 -1,165,338 -1,230,310 -1,317,939 -1,577,739 -1,543,289 -1,495,350Net annual income -363,700 -58,470 6,560 101,003 -88,983 -31,801 72,347

Add balance from prior year 2,037,153 1,673,453 1,614,983 1,621,543 1,722,546 1,633,563 1,601,762YEAR-END BALANCE 1,673,453 1,614,983 1,621,543 1,722,546 1,633,563 1,601,762 1,674,109

1 Due to the reduction in the alligator hide tag fee, ARF expenditures exceeded ARF income, thereby resulting in a net annual loss of revenue in the ARF.

Budget Category 2009 2010

Personal Services $953,812 $913,720

Travel $10,942 $8,342

Operating Services $42,134 $73,848

Supplies $97,521 $56,070

Professional Services $28 $0

Other Charges $57,550 $73,456

Acquisitions $19,301 $49,904

Major Repairs $7,454 $2,215

Interagency Billings $47,461 $33,404

Totals $1,236,203 $1,210,959

Table 6. Alligator Management Program Expenditures for Fiscal Years 2008 and 2009

EXHIBIT 1

2009 MARSH ALLIGATOR TAG ALLOTMENT BY PARISH

Tag Allotment/Marsh Type

Brackish Intermediate Fresh(A)Cameron East(A)Cameron Central(A)Cameron West

1:2251:4001:225

1:1001:2251:100

1:1001:1151:130

Calcasieu 1:250 1:110 1:80

Jeff Davis 1:90(B)Vermilion West(B)Vermilion East

1:851:175

1:851:175

1:1251:75

Iberia 1:120 1:120

St. Mary 1:65 1:65

Terrebonne 1:125 1:55 1:55

Lafourche 1:140 1:55 1:90

St. Charles 1:75 1:75 1:65

St. John the Baptist 1:55 1:55

Jefferson 1:200 1:55 1:55

Orleans 1:400 1:400(C) Plaquemines West(D)Plaquemines EastPlaquemines Delta

1:2501:4001:225

1:1501:1001:175

1:551:55

1:160

St. Bernard 1:400 1:100

St. Tammany 1:125 1:60 1:60

Tangipahoa 1:55 1:120

Cypress-Tupelo Swamp 1:160Dewatered Marsh 1:500(E)Transitional Marsh 1:400 (except transitional marsh in Plaquemines East will be issued

at the rate of 1 tag: per 300 acres)

(A)The dividing line for Cameron East and Central is the Mermentau River, the dividing line for Cameron Central and West is the Calcasieu River/Calcasieu Lake.(B)The dividing line for Vermilion East and West is the Vermilion River Cutoff (4-mile cut).(C)Marsh west of Mississippi River.(D)Marsh east of Mississippi River.(E)Marsh areas which are characterized by a generally declining alligator population caused by degradation of habitat.

2009 NON-MARSH ALLIGATOR TAG ALLOTMENT BY ZONE AND PARISHLAKE REGION

ZONE PARISH HABITATACRES OF HABITAT

TAG ALLOTMENT REMARKS

Minden Bienville/Bossier/WebsterCaddoBossierCaddo

Bienville

Lake Bistineau

Wallace LakeBlack/Cypress Lake

Cross LakeKepler Lake

1,720

2,000400500250

30

20303020

Public Lake Lottery Harvest

Public Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery Harvest

SUB TOTAL 4,870 130Monroe Ouachita

JacksonOuachita/

Morehouse

Bayou DesairdCaney Lake

Bartholomew Lake

5805,000405

686

Public Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery Harvest

SUB TOTAL 5,985 20Tioga Rapides

WinnSaline, DeSoto

La Salle

Kincaid LakeSaline LakeToledo Bend

Dewey Wills WMA

1,0003,0004,0008,000

6101625

Public Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery HarvestHighest Bidder Basis

SUB TOTAL 16,000 57

2009 NON-MARSH ALLIGATOR TAG ALLOTMENT BY ZONE AND PARISHLAKE REGION

ZONE PARISH HABITATACRES OF HABITAT

TAG ALLOTMENT REMARKS

Ferriday Concordia

Tensas

Caldwell

Three Rivers WMARed River WMALake Concordia

Big Lake WMABuckhorn WMALake St. Joseph

Lake BruinLake St. John

Beouf WMA

4,5003,500800

1,000300800

2,800200

2,200

605116

1512201020

36

WMA Lottery HarvestWMA Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery Harvest

WMA Lottery HarvestWMA Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery HarvestPublic Lake Lottery Harvest

WMA Lottery Harvest

SUB TOTAL 16,100 240Lake Charles Evangeline

Vernon

Chicot Lake

Anacoco Lake

1,625

1,000

20

6

State Parks (Experimental Harvest)

Public Lake Lottery Harvest

SUB TOTAL 2,625 26

2009 NON-MARSH ALLIGATOR TAG ALLOTMENT BY ZONE AND PARISHLAKE REGION

ZONE PARISH HABITATACRES

OF HABITAT

TAG ALLOTMENT REMARKS

Opelousas

Opelousas

Avoyelles

Iberia/St. Martin

Assumption

St. Martin,Iberville, Pt.

Coupee

Iberville,St. Martin, Pt.

Coupee

Grassy Lake WMASpring Bayou WMA

Pomme-de-Terre WMA

Attakapas WMA

Elm Hall WMA

Sherburne COE Lands

Sherburne WMA

1,0005,000800

26,300

2,843

3,300

11,780

27926

25

15

33

12

WMA Lottery HarvestHighest Bidder BasisHighest Bidder Basis

Highest Bidder Basis

WMA Lottery Harvest

Lottery Harvest

WMA Lottery Harvest

SUB TOTAL 51,023 210

LAKE REGION TOTALS 96,603 683 Experimental Harvests

2009 NON-MARSH ALLIGATOR TAG ALLOTMENT BY ZONE AND PARISHCYPRESS-TUPELO SWAMP REGION

ZONE PARISHACRES OFHABITAT

TAG ALLOTMENT ACRES/TAG REMARKS

Opelousas IbervilleLafayette

Pointe Coupee

W. Baton Rouge

29,8801,200

1,000

7,040

1878

6

44

160160

160

160

Tag allotment based upon review of prior years harvest statistics, night counts and alligator model.

SUB TOTAL 39,120 245 160

Baton Rouge AscensionE. Baton Rouge

Livingston

Tangipahoa

40,3202,000

66,720

36,181

25213

417

226

160160

160

160

Tag allotment based upon review of prior years harvest statistics, night counts and alligator model.

SUB TOTAL 145,221 908 160

New Orleans St. CharlesSt. James

St. John

39,34076,960

104,320

246481

652

160160

160

Tag allotment based upon review of prior years harvest statistics, night counts and alligator model.

SUB TOTAL 220,620 1,379 160

New Iberia - Bourg Assumption

Iberia

Lafourche

St. Mary

Terrebonne

98,560

31,550

112,350

60,190

43,014

616

197

702

376

269

160

160

160

160

160

Tag allotment based upon review of prior years harvests statistics, night counts and alligator model.

SUB TOTAL 345,664 2,160 160

SWAMP TOTAL 750,625 4,692 160

ATCHAFALAYA BASIN ALLIGATOR HABITAT

REGION ACREAGE DESCRIPTION

A. Henderson Lake 15,000 Bounded on the west by the West Guide Levee, on the North by Little Fordoche Bayou, on the east by the Haha Bay and Gim Slough and on the south by La. Hwy. 3177.

B. Crook Chen Cove-Buffalo Cove 32,000

Beginning at the northwest corner of Attakapas W.M.A.: A line north along Lake Fausse Point Cut to Bayou Benoit; west to the West Guide Levee, north to the East-West Canal located approximately 3 miles south of Catahoula, La.: East approximately 2 miles to canal; southeast on the same canal to Bayou Crook Chene; east to the main channel of the Atchafalaya River; south to the north boundary of Attakapas W.M.A.; west to point of beginning.

C. Spike Bay-Berry Lake 8,000Beginning at a point 1-1/2 miles northwest of Bayou Sorrel Landing: west along canal 5 miles; south along Spike Bay for 2 miles; east to intersect Bayou Sorrel then continue east along Bayou Sorrel to East Guide Levee; north to point of beginning.

D. Upper Grand RiverFlats

12,000Beginning at Upper Grand River Landing: north along East Guide Levee approximately 9 miles to a canal running northwest; northwest along that canal 2-1/2 miles to King's Ditch; south approximately 5 miles to include Billy Little Lakes; southeast approximately 4 miles to intersection of Upper Grand River and Little Tensas Bayou, east along Upper Grand River to point of beginning.

E. Bayou Pigeon-BelleRiver-Flat Lake

140,000

Beginning at Bayou Pigeon Landing; south along East Guide Levee to Morgan City (excluding Flat Lake); north-northwest along east side of the main channel of Six Mile Lake approximately 10 miles to 21-Inch Canal; northeast on 21-Inch Canal to Bayou Boutte; north on Bayou Boutte to the east boundary line of Attakapas W.M.A.; then north along its east boundary to Grand Lake; north along the east bank of Grand Lake to Keelboat Pass; northeast along Keelboat Pass and Flat Lake Pass to intersection of Williams Canal and a canal running southwest-northeast; northeast along that canal to intersection of Intracoastal Canal (East Guide Levee); south to Bayou Pigeon Landing.

TOTAL ALLIGATOR HABITAT WITHIN BASIN TYPE

207,000 Tags may be issued at the rate of one tag per 500 acres of habitat.